Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Bloomfield Hills, MI

We’ve Got the Answers to Your Questions!

As a specialist dental practice, we often get questions from prospective patients about the difference between us and a general dentist, what materials we use to craft our prosthetics and our team’s training and expertise. We are going to answer all of those questions for you below! If you still don’t see what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!

What’s the difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist’s training?

Many general dentists complete dental school and then go on to practice. Some even decide to undergo additional training programs and courses in specific treatments that interest them. On the other hand, prosthodontists are specialists who have received extensive, focused training in replacing missing teeth and restoring smiles. After dental school, they complete a three-year residency through an accredited program. In Dr. Lisa Kane’s case, she is also board-certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, which means she has completed oral and written evaluations and presented case studies to a board of peers to demonstrate her expertise in her field. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and holds a Master of Science degree.

What does a prosthodontist specialize in?

Prosthodontists specialize in reconstructing dental structure affected by tooth loss to function and look natural once again.

What can happen if I don’t replace missing teeth?

If you don’t replace missing teeth, you can become affected by a variety of issues:

  • Your existing surrounding teeth can shift to fill the spaces in your arch, leading to misalignment and misspacing.
  • An increased risk of oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.
  • Speech impediments like lisps.
  • Difficulty eating certain foods.
  • Jawbone deterioration that can cause your cheeks to look hollow and change your facial structure.

What’s the best treatment for replacing missing teeth?

Our top recommended treatment for replacing missing teeth is typically dental implants, which patients in a variety of different types of tooth loss situations can take advantage of. Their versatility and ability to restore the entire structure of missing teeth provide countless benefits that set them apart from traditional restorative treatments. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. We may also recommend full or partial dentures or bridges based on your unique needs.

I accidentally damaged my denture. Can you help repair it?

Yes! If you accidentally damaged your denture, call our office. We will try to get you in as soon as possible to repair it. If we are not able to repair the prosthetic, we can custom craft you a new denture so you won’t have to be without teeth for any longer than necessary.

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

Several different signs could indicate that you suffer from TMJ disorder (TMJD), including:

  • Lockjaw
  • Clicking and popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
  • Jaw tenderness
  • Aching around one of your ears
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Pain in one or both of your jaw joints

If you notice any of these symptoms and they are impacting your day-to-day comfort, give our office a call so we can examine your mouth and help you find relief.